Alex_Mustard 0 Posted November 7, 2006 I haven't done any blatent showing off in this forum for a while so I thought I'd share this: Queen chats to Mustard, Duke looks at fish My underwater photographs took me to meet the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. It was an amazing honour and I am very proud to have done it. I was flown to Estonia to meet them (where they were making a State Visit at the time) and got to show them some of my underwater photos, chat about underwater photography and to present them with a book. The meeting came about because I was invited by the British Council in Estonia to represent the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition and to present the Queen with their official gift of the Portfolio book. The Queen is a keen photographer herself and congratulated me on winning in the competition and asked me about the challenges of taking pictures underwater. I actually spoke more about the advantages; underwater we can move in three dimensions and therefore can approach the subject from any direction we choose, I told her. Imagine what land photography would be like if we could fly. The Queen seemed amused by this answer. The Duke of Edinburgh, well known for his patronage of the WWF, was more interested in the species shown in the photos and where the photos were taken. I explained that the Snapper photo (which you can see in the photo on the right) was taken in Egypt, explaining that the Red Sea is so lush and colourful below the waves, quite a contrast to the desert above. Alex Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loftus 42 Posted November 7, 2006 Congrats; maybe a knighthood in your future, or just an OBE or something. I haven't done any blatent showing off in this forum for a while so I thought I'd share this: Queen chats to Mustard, Duke looks at fish My underwater photographs took me to meet the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. It was an amazing honour and I am very proud to have done it. I was flown to Estonia to meet them (where they were making a State Visit at the time) and got to show them some of my underwater photos, chat about underwater photography and to present them with a book. The meeting came about because I was invited by the British Council in Estonia to represent the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition and to present the Queen with their official gift of the Portfolio book. The Queen is a keen photographer herself and congratulated me on winning in the competition and asked me about the challenges of taking pictures underwater. I actually spoke more about the advantages; underwater we can move in three dimensions and therefore can approach the subject from any direction we choose, I told her. Imagine what land photography would be like if we could fly. The Queen seemed amused by this answer. The Duke of Edinburgh, well known for his patronage of the WWF, was more interested in the species shown in the photos and where the photos were taken. I explained that the Snapper photo (which you can see in the photo on the right) was taken in Egypt, explaining that the Red Sea is so lush and colourful below the waves, quite a contrast to the desert above. Alex Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yahsemtough 0 Posted November 7, 2006 What a huge honoUr. Congrats and interesting answers also. Cheers Todd Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brycegroark 0 Posted November 7, 2006 That is awesome, Alex. Good to get even the royalty more interested in the underwater world. Congratulations and thanks for sharing. Aloha Bryce Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrbubbles 0 Posted November 7, 2006 you deserve to toot your horn as loud as you want for that Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeVeitch 0 Posted November 7, 2006 so so so cool..... Congrats Sir Mustard... nice suit! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Craig Ruaux 0 Posted November 7, 2006 Congrats Sir Mustard... nice suit! Seconded and seconded Good show old chap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whitehead 0 Posted November 7, 2006 That just tops EVERYTHING! Congratulations! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wagsy 0 Posted November 8, 2006 Well you have to be happy with that. Rather Cool indeed. A big congrats there. Maybe she will turn up here on Wetpixel now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
anthp 0 Posted November 8, 2006 I'll say you have to be happy mate! You can do all the showing off you want with friends in such high places. Very very nice work. I'll second Wagsy's nomination of inviting her to join Wetpixel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
photovan 0 Posted November 8, 2006 so alex, I take it that's your new "dry" suit.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DuikKees 1 Posted November 8, 2006 (edited) Really great Alex, that must have been a "once in a lifetime expetrience" feeling.. Edited November 8, 2006 by DuikKees Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alex_Mustard 0 Posted November 8, 2006 It was quite a sureal experience - as it is whenever you meet anyone so famous. And I have to say - very cool. A real one off - but I am proud I got to do it. I have even put the photo on the home page of my website (well for a few weeks, anyway). I think I won't get the Queen involved here on Wetpixel. Dean wouldn't last long until he was carted off to the tower... Alex Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jettbritnell 0 Posted November 8, 2006 Congrats!! Alex. What a thrill, I'm sure. You are most deserving of such praise and recognition. All the best, Jett Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Giles 1 Posted November 8, 2006 Yo know what I love most is ... he has a prince charles posture going on .... were you trying to get adopted ? And what did you end up calling her ? Lizzie ? Queenie ? Your Royal Highness ? Hey Babe ? Sweetiepie ? Sugar ? etc etc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeanB 19 Posted November 8, 2006 You cheeky git... I heard that the Pope now has to wait to hold an audience with Alex.. Excellent..There will be no stopping him now. I cannot wait for the next Antibes..Stories of Red carpets, state honours, keys to the cities..Jesus he will need a ultra fisheye to fit his head in the frame... Seriously, fantastic Alex..Meeting 'Her madge' and the 'Duke'..An achievement only made by statesmen and stalkers.. Dive safe Dean(freed from the tower)B Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Poliwog 4 Posted November 8, 2006 Congratulations Alex, It is indeed quite an accomplishment. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
randapex 0 Posted November 8, 2006 I'm awestruck Alex. That's such an honor and really, impossible to top. Congratulatons seems so weak but, you have earned that. Wow! Rand Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mtnman 0 Posted November 9, 2006 What a wonderful honor and thrill. Congrats!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeanB 19 Posted November 9, 2006 These Americans love the old Royal stuff. If you guys come to london you can see her madge strolling around the town markets..Just go up and say Hi.. Then pop up to Liverpool and have lunch with the Beatles..The U.k is one big happy family.. Sorry I'll change that 'One quaint, little happy family'... Must go, Toodel pip..God bless yer mary poppins... Dive safe Dean( )B Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arnon_Ayal 1 Posted November 9, 2006 Congrats, indeed great honor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WillyVolk 0 Posted November 10, 2006 Very cool, Alex. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mary Lynn 0 Posted November 10, 2006 Alex, that really is totally cool! Very impressive, and a huge honor. Congratulations!! Mary Lynn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Honza2 0 Posted November 10, 2006 Well deserved honor. Congratulations ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
